Steve McIntosh Report Blog

CPR refusal

by Steve McIntosh,posted Mar 12 2013 1:49AM

A police investigation concludes the Glenwood Gardens independent living facility and its employees did not violate any laws when they refused to administer C-P-R to 87-year-old Lorraine Bayless. She died before paramedics arrived.

The 9-1-1 call has been heard millions of times. The employee who refused to do C-P-R is not really a nurse, it turns out. And Bayless’s family is not displeased with her treatment.
Still, there is tremendous public outrage. Many believe someone should have done something to revive that woman.
But what were Lorraine Bayless’s wishes? Had she already agreed that no “heroic effort” be made to resuscitate her?
In such a circumstance, some of us would jump right in without question, employer’s rules and legal questions be damned. Others might be petrified by fear and doubt.
I cannot say what I would do in similar circumstances.
The Glenwood Gardens employee made a decision that she will have to live with. I’m thankful I am not in her position.
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Our thought for today is from Dandemis:

“Do not condemn the judgment of another because it differs from your own. You may both be wrong.”